As a sports manager, you have to deal with various contract clauses and terms that affect your clients' rights, obligations, and compensation. But how do you prioritize which ones to focus on, negotiate, or accept? Here are some tips to help you make smart decisions and avoid pitfalls.
Before you enter any contract negotiation, you need to know the market value of your client and the position they play. This will help you determine the appropriate salary range, bonus structure, and incentives that reflect their performance and potential. You can use data from previous contracts, industry reports, and salary caps to benchmark your expectations and justify your demands.
Given that we are addressing sports contracts, performance and non performance clauses would need the most attention. The rest of the contract wording may look like tombstone data/info but performance n non performance is what drives contract negotiations in a sports environment.
Every contract clause has its pros and cons, and you need to weigh them carefully. For example, a no-trade clause can give your client more security and stability, but it can also limit their mobility and leverage in the future. A performance-based clause can motivate your client to improve their skills and stats, but it can also expose them to injury or underperformance. A team option or a player option can give your client more flexibility or protection, but it can also affect their bargaining power or marketability.
It can be detrimental to the organization if the contracts wording stifles a players ability to excell. Likewise an individuals non performance without contract wording to address same can cause significant issues for a team.
You should always consult with your client and understand their goals, preferences, and concerns. You should explain the implications and consequences of each contract clause and term, and how they align with your client's interests and values. You should also listen to your client's feedback and input, and respect their wishes and choices. Your role is to advise and advocate for your client, not to impose or dictate.
Once you have a clear idea of what you and your client want, you can start negotiating with the other party. You should be confident and assertive, but also respectful and professional. You should be prepared to back up your arguments with facts and evidence, but also open to compromise and collaboration. You should be flexible and creative, but also realistic and pragmatic. You should aim for a win-win outcome, but also protect your client's best interests.
I agree, its a win/win result you are looking for and its important to review contract wording to ensure everyone is on the same page with the same expectations from a contract.
Before you sign any contract, you should review it carefully and make sure it reflects what you and your client agreed on. You should check for any errors, omissions, or ambiguities that could cause confusion or dispute later on. You should also look for any clauses or terms that could be unfavorable or unfair to your client, such as hidden fees, penalties, or restrictions. You should seek legal advice if you have any doubts or questions.
This is the crucial one. Don't go snow blind. Don't get bored. Read the words as written not what you want them to say. We had a clause in our contracts that allowed us to void the contract without cause after a year. No one ever noticed. The lawyers said they'd never read it that way but that a judge would likely do so. It was never used and as far as I know, no client ever noticed.
After you sign the contract, you should monitor its performance and compliance. You should keep track of your client's achievements, obligations, and rights under the contract, and report any issues or problems to the other party. You should also be aware of any changes or events that could affect the contract, such as injuries, trades, or disputes. You should be ready to renegotiate or terminate the contract if necessary, or enforce its terms if violated.